With many loyal PBS members, I was extremely stoked to learn about the new series Ken Burns developed on the US National Park System. The cinematography alone made the film worth watching. But in my modest opinion the picturesque panoramas and landscapes paled in comparison to the historical research and the writing that went into the narration. I wholeheartedly recommend the series to you.
But since this is off the bookshelf and not on film, it is important to note that one of the important players that Ken Burns credits for the development of the National Park system was also an impressive naturalist who authored dozens of books. Of course I am talking about none other than John Muir.
When I was about twelve years old I picked up John Muir's adventure diary and instantly was hooked. He recounts riding the top of an avalanche to the bottom of Yosemite Valley. In another story he relays the time when in an attempt to feel how a tree feels, he rode out a tremendous wind storm - accompanied by thunder and lightning - perched high atop a large tree. While many of these were foolhardy and would put to shame many of the shenanigans developped by the creators of Jack Ass, most of these adventure stories came naturally as John Muir attempted to survive and live close to the land, mountains, and trees that he desperately and passionately loves.
Now as a fourty-two year old, I am returning to John Muir. This time I am reading his books on Yosemite and the Mountains of Californina. Both of these reads are doable in a evening or two and recount much of Muir's experiences and theories about the Sierra Nevadas, glaciers and the natural history, geography and fauna of one of our greatest natural treasures. While it might be convenient to dismiss Muir as a romantic transcendentalist, I think that in our age which is enamored by electronic gadgets, instant messaging, texting and almost hourly updates on satus, work and relationships, should return to Muir and learn to love deeply and patiently. To sit with him beneath a Sequoia and try to listen to it breathe, to watch with him as a pack of wolves attack their prey and to worship with him in cathedrals carved gracefully and carefully by glaciers is in my honest opinion better by far than watching Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and the other two people as they try to crown the next American Idol.
So come back and walk with me for a couple of months as I listen to one of the founders of our National Park System and a fearsome protector of our wild places. Better yet, sit with a Muir book and listen to his cadence and rhythm for yourself. You'll be glad you did.
But since this is off the bookshelf and not on film, it is important to note that one of the important players that Ken Burns credits for the development of the National Park system was also an impressive naturalist who authored dozens of books. Of course I am talking about none other than John Muir.
When I was about twelve years old I picked up John Muir's adventure diary and instantly was hooked. He recounts riding the top of an avalanche to the bottom of Yosemite Valley. In another story he relays the time when in an attempt to feel how a tree feels, he rode out a tremendous wind storm - accompanied by thunder and lightning - perched high atop a large tree. While many of these were foolhardy and would put to shame many of the shenanigans developped by the creators of Jack Ass, most of these adventure stories came naturally as John Muir attempted to survive and live close to the land, mountains, and trees that he desperately and passionately loves.
Now as a fourty-two year old, I am returning to John Muir. This time I am reading his books on Yosemite and the Mountains of Californina. Both of these reads are doable in a evening or two and recount much of Muir's experiences and theories about the Sierra Nevadas, glaciers and the natural history, geography and fauna of one of our greatest natural treasures. While it might be convenient to dismiss Muir as a romantic transcendentalist, I think that in our age which is enamored by electronic gadgets, instant messaging, texting and almost hourly updates on satus, work and relationships, should return to Muir and learn to love deeply and patiently. To sit with him beneath a Sequoia and try to listen to it breathe, to watch with him as a pack of wolves attack their prey and to worship with him in cathedrals carved gracefully and carefully by glaciers is in my honest opinion better by far than watching Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and the other two people as they try to crown the next American Idol.
So come back and walk with me for a couple of months as I listen to one of the founders of our National Park System and a fearsome protector of our wild places. Better yet, sit with a Muir book and listen to his cadence and rhythm for yourself. You'll be glad you did.
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